fbpx

In Focus: Innovation on the Orchard

Mitch Jones is modernizing his approach to growing cherries in the Flathead

By Greg Lindstrom
Mitch Jones at Big Sky Orchard along Flathead Lake on July 10, 2015. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon

“Weeds are my nemesis,” says Mitch Jones as he rides his tractor up and down the rows of his 15-acre cherry orchard near Yellow Bay, spraying the base of each tree.

As monotonous as the task may seem, each time Jones hits the high point in his plot he is greeted with panoramic views of Flathead Lake.

“Even on a bad day, you look around and go, ‘Wow, this is my office,’” he says.

Jones, who runs Big Sky Orchards, is a relative newcomer to the cherry business. But that hasn’t stopped him from researching the industry practices and modernizing his approach. Twelve years ago, he purchased an orchard on the south shore of the lake in Polson, and later another near Yellow Bay. The orchards both had 50-year-old Lambert trees, and it didn’t take long for Jones to replace them all with varieties that ripen later in the season. In addition to changing varieties, Jones planted the trees close together, which saves time on pruning and picking.

“I want to be an active participant,” Jones says. “I want try and prove to myself, and anyone else, that you can make money at it.”

Mitch Jones at Big Sky Orchard along Flathead Lake on July 10, 2015. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Mitch Jones at Big Sky Orchard along Flathead Lake. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon